Court Orders Media Blackout in Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Case

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has imposed a strict media blackout on all parties and their legal representatives involved in the case concerning Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Nigerian Senate. The order, issued on Friday, prohibits social media posts, television interviews, and analytical commentary on the ongoing legal proceedings.

The ruling comes amidst a legal battle initiated by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is challenging her six-month suspension by the Senate, effective March 6, 2025. The suspension followed allegations of misconduct stemming from events during a February 20 plenary session.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a motion ex parte (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025), naming the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as defendants. She sought an interim injunction to halt the Senate’s investigation into her alleged misconduct.

The initial judge assigned to the case, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, withdrew due to allegations of bias from one of the defendants, leading to the case’s reassignment to Justice Nyako.

During Friday’s hearing, J.S. Okutepa SAN, representing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasized the urgency of the matter, given the six-month duration of his client’s suspension. However, Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN, counsel for Senate President Akpabio, raised concerns about Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media appearances, claiming they were prejudicial. Okutepa countered, alleging similar media engagements by another senator.

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In response, Justice Nyako ruled that “no press interviews by parties and counsel as regards the subject matter of this case,” “no streaming or social media posts as regards this case,” and “no TV interviews analyzing the subject matter of this case while the case is subjudice” would be permitted. She further directed a “total media blockade” until the case’s resolution.

The controversy began after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was asked to change her seat during a plenary session. She later accused Senate President Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her.

The court adjourned the case to May 12, 2025, for a hearing.